Life as a Christian wife, mother and business owner

modesty

I usually try to steer clear of topics that are considered by some to be controversial. However, this topic is weighing heavy on my heart tonight and I feel like I need to share these thoughts.

I am concerned about the things I see on TV these days. As a new mom, I’m more sensitive to the things I’m watching, as I think, “Would I want my daughter to see this?” The answer almost every time is “Absolutely not!” I feel like our youth (and even adults) are being brainwashed into thinking that the things portrayed on popular TV shows are the new norms… that it’s cool to be like these good-looking, “happy” characters. The truth is that these are actors speaking memorized lines who in reality, are hooked on drugs, have been through multiple divorces and who can’t count on one hand the number of true friends they have. We need to stop lying to our children. We have a responsibility to change our world for the better. Here are some suggestions on how we can do that.

Stop being trashy. Whatever happened to the Audrey Hepburns of Hollywood? The Gone With the Wind movies that reflected such timeless class? Those are the characters and films that withstand the test of time. Think about Jersey Shore. Will that show be remembered in 10 years? Even 5? Probably not. It’s already a fleeting memory in the back of our minds.

Stop trying to desensitize us to things that are morally wrong. Years ago, a sex scene in a movie was pushing the limit. Now, I see it in almost every show airing on ABC Family…. ABC FAMILY??? Not anymore. When I was growing up, I watched shows like Boy Meets World, 7th Heaven, Full House… shows that had characters who represented true values – things like friendships, family, lasting relationships. I mean, look at Corey and Topanga. They were the epitome of true love. Why? Because they stuck together through good times and bad, they showed their love for one another without having to be risqué, and they valued the (now rare) idea of loving someone with everything that you have. Look how much divorce rates have skyrocketed in recent years. People don’t believe in relationships like that anymore. And why should they? You’re telling us they don’t exist.

Stop trying to confuse sin with fun. I hate watching a show where there’s a girl in a relationship and her friends harp on her for not having sex with the guy. Since when do you have to have sex to establish feelings? Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? Isn’t sex supposed to be meaningful? We’ve turned it into something most people wake up regretting, when it’s supposed to be something that unites a husband with his wife. Hence, the divorce rate topic again. Also, I understand that homosexuality is a big topic. But, do we need to see it in every new sitcom? Don’t get me wrong. I don’t hate people who choose to live this lifestyle. As a matter of fact, I have several people in my life who are homosexual. Does that mean I don’t love them? Of course not. Do I condone the lifestyle they lead? No. I can’t condone something that I believe is wrong. But that doesn’t mean I can’t love you. When Jesus walked the earth, he hung out with the sinners and showed them love. I can only strive to do the same. But hey Hollywood, you don’t have to try to convince everyone that there’s nothing wrong with it. Let people have their own beliefs. You wouldn’t sit a Vegan in front of a television and force them to watch a pig being butchered, would you? Of course not. That would be drawing the line….

Stop telling people there’s something wrong with being a Christian. I understand that not everyone shares my beliefs and I’m not one to go and try to force my beliefs on someone else. But don’t tell me that it’s offensive for me to believe something that you don’t agree with… and then turn around and try to make me feel ashamed for believing in the Bible. That’s 100% hypocritical and judgmental. If I know in my heart that God is real and I have seen Him work in my life, there’s nothing you can do or say to convince me otherwise. And I know that if you don’t have that same conviction in your life, I can talk to you about Christ until I run out of breath, but that won’t be enough to change your mind. So stop making it seem like all Christians are narrow-minded, judgmental people who hate everyone who sins. It’s the furthest thing from the truth and it steers people away from the one thing that can save them.

So, kudos to the people on TV who stand up for their beliefs. I mean, just look at how popular Duck Dynasty is. They show the world that Christians can believe the Bible and still have fun. I am thankful to that family for not being ashamed to put God above all, even if it meant losing fame or success. I’m also thankful for people like the Duggars, who show that there are still girls who are modest, and there are teenagers who don’t rebel against their parents because they’ve been brought up to do better. Thank you to those of you who stand up for your American rights and show the world that you’re not afraid to share your love for Christ.